High School

Cristoble used synthetic division to divide the polynomial [tex]f(x)[/tex] by [tex]x+3[/tex], as shown in the table.

What is the value of [tex]f(-3)[/tex]?

A. -3
B. 2
C. 33
D. 36

Answer :

Certainly! To determine the value of [tex]\( f(-3) \)[/tex] when dividing a polynomial [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] by [tex]\( x+3 \)[/tex], we can use the Remainder Theorem. This theorem states that if a polynomial [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] is divided by [tex]\( x-c \)[/tex], the remainder of the division is [tex]\( f(c) \)[/tex].

Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. Identify the divisor and the value to evaluate the polynomial at:
- The divisor is [tex]\( x+3 \)[/tex], which can be rewritten as [tex]\( x - (-3) \)[/tex].
- According to the Remainder Theorem, we will evaluate the polynomial at [tex]\( x = -3 \)[/tex].

2. Synthetic Division Insight:
- Synthetic division is a method used to divide polynomials when the divisor is of the form [tex]\( x-c \)[/tex].
- When you perform synthetic division with [tex]\( x+3 \)[/tex], you're essentially evaluating [tex]\( f(-3) \)[/tex].

3. Remainder Understanding:
- During synthetic division, the remainder is what you get after the division is complete, and this remainder is exactly the value of the polynomial evaluated at [tex]\( c \)[/tex]. In our case, [tex]\( f(-3) \)[/tex].

4. Result:
- Based on our understanding of synthetic division and the Remainder Theorem, the value of [tex]\( f(-3) \)[/tex] in this specific case is [tex]\( 2 \)[/tex].

Therefore, the value of [tex]\( f(-3) \)[/tex] is [tex]\( 2 \)[/tex].